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How can I tell if I have gum disease?

Posted on by AllSmiles.

How can I tell if I have gum disease? My gums are bleeding. Thanks. Thomas

Thomas – The best way to tell if you have gum disease is to see your dentist. Your dentist will examine your teeth and gums to make the determination.

Symptoms of gum disease

  • Gums that bleed when you floss or brush your teeth
  • Inflamed or sore gums
  • Gums that are receding, or pulling away from the teeth
  • Persistent bad breath
  • Pus between the teeth and gums
  • Loose teeth
  • A change in your bite—the way your teeth fit together
  • An increase in the space between your teeth
  • A partial denture that no longer fits correctly

Inadequate brushing and flossing your teeth, genetics, certain illnesses, and certain medications can make you more susceptible to gum disease. Regular brushing and flossing, as well as regular exams by your dentist and dental cleanings can help prevent gum disease.

If you think you have gum disease, make an appointment with your dentist. Early detection makes it easier to control the gum disease and save your teeth. Teeth that are lost due to gum disease can be replaced with a dental bridge or dental implants.

This post is sponsored by New Orleans cosmetic dentist Dr. Duane Delaune of Metairie.

What can be done if my root canal treatment didn’t work?

Posted on by AllSmiles.

I think that I got a bum root canal treatment. I had been reading about how not to worry about it because it’s a simple procedure but I have pain behind my ear on the same side as the tooth that had the infection. I went to an endodontist to be sure that I wouldn’t have no problems with it. The pain is not really all the time but every now and then during the day there is this sharp pain behind my ear. What can I do if the root canal didn’t work? – Tony P from Tennessee

Tony – It is possible for a root canal treatment to fail, but it might not be true in your case. Jaw or tooth problems can present themselves with pain behind the ear.

Regardless of the care that a dentist takes to clear the root of infections, there are times where all of the pathways cannot be reached. In those cases, a root canal treatment might not be successful. In rare cases, even an endodontist (root canal specialist) performs a root canal that fails.

You didn’t indicate how long it has been since you received the root canal treatment, but usually there are no symptoms of failure until an infection develops, which may take three to six months or longer.

It is best to return to the endodontist for him or her to exam your tooth to determine if it is the source of your pain. If infection is present, the endodontist will determine if another root canal treatment is required, if surgery is needed to access the root tip from the outside so it can be sealed, or if the tooth should be extracted and replaced with a dental implant or a dental bridge.

 

This blog post is courtesy of New Orleans cosmetic dentist Dr. Duane Delaune of Metairie

Dentures or a dental bridge for mom’s missing teeth?

Posted on by AllSmiles.

My 69 year-old mom has lost many of her teeth. Fortunately her front teeth are left, so she’s not too embarrassed. But she basically has no teeth to chew with, and this is causing lots of problems and inconveniences for her. I’ve done some research trying to find out her options, and I read about dentures and dental bridges, but we could use some help. – Rachel, Arkansas

Rachel – A dental bridge is not an option if all of your mother’s back teeth are missing. There are two options for replacing the missing teeth—dental implants or removable partial dentures, which would be attached to the front teeth.

The removable partial dentures are the least expensive option. With this option, many teeth can be replaced with one appliance. Although less expensive than implants, removable partial dentures would put stress on your mother’s remaining teeth.

Dental implants are healthier, will function as natural teeth, and they are more comfortable. But they are also more expensive—the cost is per implant. Implants are surgically placed in the jawbone, and after the jawbone heals, replacement teeth are secured to the implants.

Another advantage of implants is that they help prevent jawbone shrinkage. When teeth are missing, the body resorbs the jawbone in the area that once supported the tooth. When a dental implant replaces a missing tooth, there is no jawbone shrinkage, and facial collapse can be prevented.

Find an artistic cosmetic dentist with whom you and your mother can discuss the implants and removable partial dentures, as well and the pros and cons for each.

This blog is brought to you by New Orleans cosmetic dentist Dr. Duane Delaune.